TetraPOT Green Sea Defence is an innovative coastal protection system that harmoniously combines artificial and natural sea defence mechanisms. This groundbreaking design, created by Sheng-Hung Lee and Wan Kee Lee, represents a significant advancement in sustainable coastal engineering, earning recognition with a Silver A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design category. The system consists of concrete structures measuring 1.5m x 1.5m x 1.5m, weighing approximately one ton, which incorporate decomposable pots containing mangrove seeds. The tetrapod-inspired design features four legs arranged to effectively dissipate wave energy while allowing natural water flow, but uniquely integrates channels and recesses for plant growth. As the mangrove seeds germinate and develop, their root systems gradually intertwine through designated channels in the concrete structure, creating a hybrid defence mechanism that combines the immediate stability of concrete with the long-term resilience of natural vegetation. This symbiotic approach addresses multiple coastal challenges simultaneously: preventing soil erosion, maintaining natural coastal aesthetics, supporting biodiversity, and creating sustainable ecosystems. The design's innovative aspects include its self-maintaining characteristics, where the growing vegetation progressively strengthens the structure's stability, reducing the need for artificial maintenance while enhancing environmental benefits. The system represents a paradigm shift from purely artificial coastal protection to a more sustainable, ecosystem-integrated approach that acknowledges both immediate coastal defence needs and long-term environmental considerations.
coastal protection, sustainable engineering, mangrove restoration, wave dissipation, environmental design, ecosystem integration
CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'TetraPOT Green Sea Defence.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=444659 (Accessed on June 28, 2025)"
We have 216.545 Topics and 472.615 Entries and TetraPOT Green Sea Defence has 1 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on TetraPOT Green Sea Defence today.